40 Breeder Sump/Frag Design

D0GFISH · 08/18/2013, 01:42 PM

I'm replacing my existing sump with a 40 breeder (36"Lx18"wx17"t) on my 125g. I plan to include a frag section as well as refugium. Attached is the best design I could come up with. Basically the inlet section is shared with the skimmer, which flows into frag which flows into refugium, and finally to return pump. Splitting into sections like this increases 'flow rate' as the flow is the gph is constant but section volume is smaller. 1 fixture could light the refug and frag without having the skimmer/pump in the way. The double lines are optional baffles but with such a long run from the skimmer to return I doubt I'd need them. I'm planning to replace my return pump to a DC unit and upgrade my skimmer too. Any feedback on the design or dimensions of each section?

D0GFISH · 08/18/2013, 01:52 PM

I forgot to mention that I'm trying to optimize the volume in the return pump/refug sections so I can do water changes from there strictly without touching the frag section. Thats why the frag is separated. Also, the glass between the return and skimmer section will have a small area that isn't siliconed. The skimmer will 'leak' so it will drain into return area during water changes.

D0GFISH · 08/19/2013, 10:03 PM

Anyone with good sump design experience?

Rarend99 · 08/19/2013, 10:07 PM

the only issue i foresee is with such a small area for the return pump you'll be topping off alot of water all the time, not a big issue if you have an ATO

D0GFISH · 08/19/2013, 11:46 PM

yeah - sorry my pic doesn't really show the details. The baffles in front of the pump would only be about 4" tall to keep rock pieces out of the pump. Water height in frag would be maximized (~14") with the baffles between frag and refugium.

08/18/2013, 01:52 PM	#2
D0GFISH Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 76	I forgot to mention that I'm trying to optimize the volume in the return pump/refug sections so I can do water changes from there strictly without touching the frag section. Thats why the frag is separated. Also, the glass between the return and skimmer section will have a small area that isn't siliconed. The skimmer will 'leak' so it will drain into return area during water changes. __________________ Brian 125g Mixed Reef

08/19/2013, 10:03 PM	#3
D0GFISH Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 76	Anyone with good sump design experience? __________________ Brian 125g Mixed Reef

08/19/2013, 10:07 PM	#4
Rarend99 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 1,304	the only issue i foresee is with such a small area for the return pump you'll be topping off alot of water all the time, not a big issue if you have an ATO __________________ 50 Gallon Rimless Radion PRO 2x Mp10s Apex The Works Current Tank Info: Cadlights Rimless

08/19/2013, 11:46 PM	#5
D0GFISH Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 76	yeah - sorry my pic doesn't really show the details. The baffles in front of the pump would only be about 4" tall to keep rock pieces out of the pump. Water height in frag would be maximized (~14") with the baffles between frag and refugium. __________________ Brian 125g Mixed Reef